When shoulD i be screeneD
for Prostate cancer?
ProPa
Ghosh
M.D.
There are no early warning signs for prostate cancer, so it is important for men to be
screened regularly. The American Urological Association recommends a yearly PSA
(prostate-specific antigen) blood test and a digital rectal exam beginning at age 40.
Men with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors should be screened
earlier.
Does an elevateD Psa Mean
i have cancer?
Not necessarily. A lot of things can raise your PSA. While an abnormal level may
indicate prostate cancer, it can also result from something less serious, such as urinary
retention or prostate inflammation. A urologist can find the cause.
hoW is Prostate cancer treateD?
Thanks to advances in medicine, patients have many treatment options, including
surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies. Depending on your age and
stage of disease, your doctor may even recommend watchful waiting. Our goal is to
treat the cancer most effectively while minimizing the impact on your quality of life.
hoW Many tiMes a Day shoulD i urinate?
abrahaM
Knoll
M.D.
It is normal to urinate three or four times during the day while sleeping through the
night. Urine should be voided in a strong, steady stream, and you should feel “empty”
when you’re done. Weak or more frequent urination could signal an underlying
medical problem, such as an enlarged prostate or obstruction.
shoulD i Worry if i see blooD
in My urine?
Possibly. There are several conditions that cause blood in urine. Most of them are
benign, such as kidney stones and infections. However, blood can also be a sign of
bladder or kidney cancers. If you see blood in your urine, promptly schedule an
appointment with a urologist.
hoW Do i KnoW if i have KiDney stones?
Kidney stones may cause back pain that radiates into the groin, blood in urine, and/or
frequent urination – although those symptoms may be related to other conditions and
some stones don’t trigger symptoms. A radiology test will confirm your diagnosis.
While most kidney stones don’t require treatment, a urologist may need to remove
larger stones by performing a minimally-invasive procedure. You can lower your risk
for developing kidney stones by staying hydrated and reducing your intake of sodium
and animal protein.
Why aM i havinG ProbleMs
With erections?
An inability to produce or maintain an erection may be attributed to numerous
factors, including obesity, various medications, and underlying health issues, such as
high blood pressure or diabetes. Erectile dysfunction is treated by managing chronic
disease, taking oral medication, and/or lifestyle changes.
can sMoKinG cause
uroloGical ProbleMs?
Yes. Along with other negative health effects, smoking is linked to erectile dysfunction,
infertility, and urological cancers. In fact, studies show a high correlation between
smoking and cancers of the bladder and kidneys. v
Chilton Magazine summer 2018
checK it out
Talk to your doctor if you have any
medical concerns or symptoms of a
urological problem. Treatment could
improve your health – and your life!
reasons for men to see
a urologist include:
• Abnormal prostate exam
or PSA level
• Blood in urine
• Urinary incontinence
• Painful or weak urination
• Testicular mass or pain
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility